HIST 1007 : Q1 Part A
Part One
PART ONE. Consider the following statement:
“In the period from 1870 to 1950, Europe lost its dominance in the world as a result of its own
excessive nationalism. European ideas about love of one’s country were moving increasingly
away from their roots in the Enlightenment. At the same time, nationalism was one of Europe’s
most powerful exports to the rest of the world, where Western ideas of Enlightenment
continued to hold sway.”
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? You may partly agree and partly disagree. Be
sure to include evidence from the period 1870-1914 as well as 1914-1950. Do not include the
Russia, but do include the Middle East and India. Draw on three readings from The Human
Record plus the Gandhi film.
Intro
• I agree that the increasing popularity of nationalism in Europe during the 20th century allowed it
to lose its dominant position as a world player.
• I also agree that nationalism ironically turned against the West as the outside colonies revolted,
such as Africa.
• Each state’s fever for their own sovereignty ultimately tore apart the multinational empire apart
as countries became more geared towards self-gain and self-domination, such as Germany and
Japan.
• From nationalism, sprung imperialism, which fueled the “inferior” races’ desires for
independence from its “superior” races, such as in the case of India’s breakaway from Britain.
• Nationalism allow Europe to rise but at the same time set them up for a downfall in power
1870-1914 with Africa
• Spread of industrialization and ideas of the enlightenment during 1870-1914 led to more
educated and opinionated people.
• From this, people accepting works of authors Charles Darwin to justify imperialism and
nationalism
• Expansion became top priority on many to-do lists of Europeans
• famous French imperialist Jules Ferry mentioned in the human record showcased just this
o clung to Darwin inspired notion that “superior races have rights over inferior races”
because it is their duty to civilize them
o For him this made colonizing Africa the right thing to do
• Other countries joined the imperialist band wagon in Africa and more competition poured in,
specifically in Congo with King Leopold.
• Tribes like the Nbdele were tricked into deals with the white man to allow European trade on
their land in exchange for money. For the Nbdele, this actually got them kicked out of their
territory, as the British decided to obtain rule in Zimbabwe once they got, something they had
agreed they would do.
• From all the competition for African land, the Berlin Conference 1884 so that European powers
start setting the boundaries of Africa and which region belonged to which nationalist country.
Problem is the boundaries had nothing to do with the Africans & their sects culture → This single
Document Summary
In the period from 1870 to 1950, europe lost its dominance in the world as a result of its own excessive nationalism. European ideas about love of one"s country were moving increasingly away from their roots in the enlightenment. At the same time, nationalism was one of europe"s most powerful exports to the rest of the world, where western ideas of enlightenment continued to hold sway. Be sure to include evidence from the period 1870-1914 as well as 1914-1950. Russia, but do include the middle east and india. I agree that the increasing popularity of nationalism in europe during the 20th century allowed it to lose its dominant position as a world player. Problem is the boundaries had nothing to do with the africans & their sects culture this single act of imperialism and nationalism caused the political and social instability of africa today.
